I love a challenge, but even this one seems a little nuts!

I always say I want to raise awareness for Juvenille Idiopathic Arthritis... well here goes in my attempt to do so. 

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common type of arthritis in kids and teens. It typically causes joint pain and inflammation in the hands, knees, ankles, elbows and/or wrists. But, it may affect other body parts too.

JIA can cause you to feel very tired or rundown, causing you to feel very fatigued. Along with loss of appetite, rash, high fevers etc etc...

JIA is an autoimmune disease. That means the immune system, which is supposed to fight invaders like germs and viruses, gets confused and attacks the body’s cells and tissues . This causes the body to release inflammatory chemicals that attack the synovium (tissue lining around a joint). An inflamed synovium may make a joint feel painful or tender, look red or swollen & difficult to move.  

My son Billy was diagnosed with JIA in October 2019 at the age of 2 1/2 after 6 months of knee swelling & pain, this made it very hard for Billy to move around pain free. Spending lots of time in bed, my arms and hospital appointments, after what felt like forever, we finally got the diagnosis we were expecting.

Over the last year and half, Billy’s arthritis has spread from his knees to his neck, jaw, eye and now his hip ( under investigation) he has medication to help, but unfortunately there is no cure. 

Seeing Billy in so much pain & discomfort over the last 2 years has pushed me to do this challenge. There are children so much worse off than Billy with JIA. Kiddies in wheelchairs, constant pain, can’t even hold a brush to brush their hair....All of this I knew nothing of until Billy’s diagnosis.

I cannot believe I am writing this...

So, as Billy’s mum, in bid to help raise awareness & money for a charity which helps many children suffering with JIA I am setting myself the challenge to cycle 112 miles around the Ironman Wales Loop. 😧

I might add, I am no cyclist, at all!!!!!!!

But that said, I have started training and I am adamant I can & will do this. I have no excuse. If I can do this, anything is possible.  

I aim to complete this challenge in September  this year as there is a #wearpurpleforJIA campaign running. I would appreciate any support, whether it be a donation, a message of support on the day, or even cheer me on if possible. This cause is so close to my heart I honestly would appreciate any form of support. 

Please share this to your friends and family to help me raise awareness. It’s a very cruel condition that not enough people know about, and I want to do my best to change that. 

I will keep you posted on my training progress. Wish me luck!! 

Thank You

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